Doc On The Run Podcast

Most Critical Healing Time for a Metatarsal Fracture

When is the single most important time during the healing of a metatarsal fracture?

Most runners assume the hardest part is waiting weeks to get back to running.

In reality, the most critical period may be the very first week after the fracture occurs.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains why the first seven days after a metatarsal fracture lay the biological foundation for healing, and why seemingly small mistakes during that first week can delay your recovery.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the first week is biologically the most important phase of healing
• What happens during the inflammatory phase after a fracture
• Why bone stability is essential for successful healing
• How movement disrupts the body's repair process
• Why even sleeping without your boot may slow healing during the first week
• How small movements from exercise can delay recovery
• What runners should focus on before worrying about fitness

The goal is not simply surviving the first week.

The goal is creating the strongest possible foundation for the bone to heal so you can get back to running sooner.

Why Identical Runs Can Keep Your Stress Fracture Weak

If your stress fracture seems to be healing, should you keep repeating the exact same run?

It sounds safe…

But it may actually slow your progress.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains why repeating identical runs can prevent a healing stress fracture from adapting and getting stronger.

Using the example of a runner returning from a tibial stress fracture with a race only three and a half months away, Dr. Segler explains why variability—not repetition—is the key to safely rebuilding bone strength.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why repeating the exact same run can stall bone remodeling
• Why soreness beginning around mile two matters
• How cumulative fatigue changes the stress on a healing bone
• Why bone adapts to progressive, varied loading—not identical loading
• Different ways to vary your running without increasing injury risk
• How to build fitness while reducing the chance of another setback

The goal is not simply proving you can repeat the same run.

The goal is helping the bone become stronger so you can safely return to racing.

The Test That Might Be Preventing Your Stress Fracture From Healing

Are you testing your stress fracture every day just to see if it's getting better?

That simple habit may actually be slowing your recovery.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains why repeatedly testing a stress fracture—especially by intentionally reproducing pain—can keep you above your healing threshold and delay your return to running.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why runners naturally want to "check" their injury
• How repeated testing can increase stress on a healing metatarsal
• Why pain-testing is different from progress tracking
• How to identify useful recovery milestones without slowing healing
• The concept of your healing threshold—and why it matters
• A smarter way to monitor recovery while preserving your fitness

Can You Run After Multiple Fifth Metatarsal Fractures And Osteoporosis?

If you’ve had multiple fifth metatarsal fractures and you also have osteoporosis, can you still run safely?

Many runners assume the answer is automatically “no.”

But that is not necessarily true.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains how runners with osteoporosis can sometimes continue running safely after stress fractures or fifth metatarsal fractures—as long as they understand the specific risks that may have caused the fractures in the first place.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why osteoporosis increases stress fracture risk
• Why repeated fifth metatarsal fractures may not just be about bone density
• How road slope can overload the fifth metatarsal
• Why biomechanics matter in recurrent fractures
• The difference between healing and remodeling
• Why runners with osteoporosis have to be more vigilant about stress management
• The key questions runners should ask before returning to training

The goal is not simply avoiding fractures.

The goal is staying active without re-injuring the bone.

My Number One Secret Weapon For Extensor Tenosynovitis In Runners

What is the fastest way to calm down extensor tenosynovitis when you are a runner trying to keep training?

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains his personal “secret weapon” for reducing inflammation in extensor tenosynovitis and helping runners get back to training faster.

Extensor tenosynovitis happens when the tendon sheaths on the top of the foot become irritated and inflamed. It can become painful with every step, every toe movement, and every run.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What extensor tenosynovitis actually is
• Why inflammation inside the tendon sheath becomes so painful
• Why tight shoelaces often trigger the problem
• Why oral anti-inflammatory medications may not help much
• The risks of corticosteroid injections around tendons
• How the contrast bath routine works
• Why alternating hot and cold water may rapidly reduce swelling
• How runners can calm irritation while protecting fitness

The goal is not simply reducing pain.

The goal is calming the inflammation fast enough that you can safely get back to running.

MRI Versus CT Scan For Stress Fractures: Which One Actually Tells You If You Can Run?

If you have a stress fracture and you’re trying to figure out whether it is safe to run again, should you get an MRI or a CT scan?

Many runners assume there is one perfect imaging test that can tell them exactly when they are cleared to run.

Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the real difference between MRI scans and CT scans for stress fractures, what each test actually shows, and why imaging alone often does not give runners the “green light” to return to training.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why MRI is usually better for detecting early stress reactions
• Why CT scans are better at identifying true cracks in bone
• Why inflammation on MRI does not always mean you cannot run
• How bone remodeling can confuse runners and radiologists
• Why repeat imaging can sometimes create more confusion
• How CT scans may help determine whether a fracture is truly healing
• Why imaging findings have to match your symptoms and training goals

The goal is not simply getting another scan.

The goal is understanding whether the bone is actually tolerating stress well enough for you to safely return to running.

Plantar Plate Sprain in Triathletes: Real Strategy Call With a Former Pro

What happens when a former professional triathlete and endurance coach suddenly develops a painful plantar plate sprain?

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler speaks with Marcus, a former professional triathlete and current triathlon coach from Brazil, during a real running injury strategy call focused on plantar plate injuries in runners and triathletes.

Marcus had to cancel an upcoming 45K trail race after developing sudden pain under the ball of the foot consistent with a plantar plate sprain. During the call, they discuss how plantar plate injuries develop, why bunions and shoe selection can increase stress on the plantar plate ligament, and how endurance athletes can protect the injured ligament while maintaining fitness.

They also discuss:

• Why MRIs often fail to tell the whole story with plantar plate tears • Whether carbon-plated running shoes can reduce plantar plate strain • How to maintain fitness without worsening the injury • Why boots alone are often not enough • The biggest mistakes runners make during plantar plate recovery • How shoe construction can affect forefoot stress • Why triathletes are uniquely vulnerable to forefoot overload injuries

If you’re a runner or triathlete struggling with forefoot pain, second toe pain, a plantar plate tear, or a plantar plate sprain, this episode will help you better understand the injury and what actually matters during recovery.

5 Reasons A Runner Might Want Popping Peroneal Tendon Surgery

If you have popping or clicking around the outside of your ankle, do you actually need peroneal tendon surgery?

Not necessarily.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the 5 reasons runners might actually consider surgery for painful popping peroneal tendons—and why many runners may not need surgery at all.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the peroneal tendons actually do
• Why peroneal tendons pop or click
• When popping is actually dangerous
• The difference between painful instability and harmless clicking
• Why some split peroneal tendons heal without surgery
• The most important question runners forget to ask surgeons
• How to think about surgery from a runner’s perspective

The real goal is not simply fixing the tendon.

The goal is getting back to running.

5 Signs Stress Reaction Turned Into a Stress Fracture

How do you know if your stress reaction just turned into a stress fracture?

That’s one of the most important questions a runner can ask—because once there’s a crack in the bone, everything changes.

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the 5 key signs that indicate your stress reaction may have progressed into a true stress fracture.

Understanding these signs can help you avoid making the injury worse and make smarter decisions about training and recovery.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between a stress reaction and a stress fracture
• Why that distinction matters for runners
• The 5 warning signs your injury has progressed
• The most reliable sign that you may have a crack in the bone
• Why bruising is a major red flag
• How to think about injury severity when making training decisions

If you want a clearer way to assess your injury, get the free Stress Fracture or Injury Self-Assessment Worksheet at:
https://www.stressfracturesecrets.com/mistake

The 1 Simple Trick I Used to Fix Plantar Fasciitis in Ironman Training Runs

If you have plantar fasciitis and you’re trying to keep running, you’ve probably been told to stretch, rest, or stop running altogether.

But what if the solution is much simpler?

In this episode of the Doc On The Run Podcast, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the one simple trick he personally used to fix his plantar fasciitis while training for Ironman races—without stopping running.

This episode breaks down how small biomechanical changes can dramatically reduce stress on the plantar fascia and allow healing while maintaining fitness.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the plantar fascia actually does
• Why plantar fasciitis develops in runners
• How road slope changes stress on your foot
• The simple adjustment that reduced strain instantly
• Why small changes can make a big difference in healing
• When this trick will work—and when it won’t